By Sally Edgar
The future of the former Odeon cinema building, on Clerk Street, could be decided within a matter of days.
More than 2,400 people have joined the online campaign pushing for one last-ditch attempt to preserve the 1930s art-deco style building, which risks partial demolition. Campainers now also have the support of 3,657 members on a ‘Help save the old Odeon cinema in Edinburgh’ group on the social networking site Facebook.
Developer Duddingston House Properties (DHP) intends to preserve the facade and entrance foyer. However, it looks likely that the auditorium, which boasts Scotland’s largest and grandest proscenium arch, will be demolished.
The beautiful building has been labelled ‘the best surviving example of architecture of its time’ in the UK, according to the Cinema Theatre Association. But now it faces losing it’s original infrastructure in order to be adapted into a 231-bedroom boutique hotel, artists’ studios and restaurant. Plans have already been approved by Edinburgh City Council, so now DHP are just awaiting listed building consent from Historic Scotland.
A spokesman from DHP said that they have considered the alternatives, but it does not appear viable to restore the entire building.
He said: “We didn’t buy the building to knock down the auditorium. I’d be delighted if someone would make me an offer for it. We’ve continually said we would consider any credible proposal, but I haven’t seen any yet.”
Many local people have been outraged by the possible future of the historic B-listed building. They have set up a charity in the hope to buy it and re-open it as a cinema, film library and cafe.
Campaign organiser John Need said he was confident that something could be done to stop the plans. He has hope that the charity could successfully raise money through grants and local fundraising activities.
He said: “This is a building that has made a significant impact on Edinburgh. It’s nonsense to say nothing else can be done with it. DHP are saying they have not had another serious offer, but we think this is an alternative.
“This could turn into an economically viable and vibrant space for the community and a nationally important creative hub for artists and filmmakers.”
Originally named The Old Victoria, the now derelict building showed its last film 5 years ago. Since then, DHP have had varying plans of how to use the space. They originally planned to convert it into a 240-room student housing complex, but withdrew their plans following protests from councillors and other Edinburgh representatives. Plans to revamp the building into a live music venue and nightclub were also quashed by the city’s licensing board.
A spokesperson for Historic Scotland said that there is ‘no time limit’ in this case and it could in fact be days or weeks before a decision is finalised. Until then, they will not comment on this individual case.
With both plans and campainers in place, it seems the their fate, and that of the old Odeon, lie in the hands of Historic Scotland.
